Blower with Generator

F

fsudelt

Member
Jul 25, 2008
190
Orlando, FL & Port Austin, MI
Boat Info
2019 230 SLX
Previous:
2006 Malibu Ride XTi
2007 210 Select
2007 310DA
2007 240DA
Engines
6.2L Mercruiser 300HP w/ Bravo III Drives
Two quick easy questions. Do most people leave their blower on when using the generator when anchored or docked where plug in is not available, or do you turn off the blower?

Second, I have a battery charger, but was told to turn off both batteries when docked and not using?

Thanks for the input. I've heard conflicting answers for both of whether to keep blower on, and whether or not to turn off batteries when not using the boat and it's sitting at slip.
 
I run the blowers 100% with gas generator. Some people on this forum will tell you to replace your blowers with "Continuous Use" blowers if you are going to do this.

Most people leave battery chargers on and batteries on when plugged in. This will help you if your bilge pumps need to run for a long time in case of disaster.
 
Nice Boat!

Yes, run the blower anytime the gen is on. It's purpose is the same as running it with the mains (to eliminate any gas fumes).

Also, keep the charger on when slipped. This is to keep power to the batteries to run the bilge pump in the event you develop a leak. Many people recommend turning off the charger to avoid overcharging the battery (when chargers fail, they often do this). However, I'd rather risk overcharging the batteries than sink the boat.
 
The battery charger is wired around the battery switches so you can turn off the battery switches when you leave the boat and leave the charger on. I always do this. I also run my blower when ever the generator is running
 
I turn the battery switches on in April and turn them off in October. The boat stays plugged in at the dock with the charger on. And we run our blower when on the hook and have never had a "continuous rated blower" at least that I know of. We never had a blower failure in 40 years of boating.
 
fsudelt said:
Two quick easy questions. Do most people leave their blower on when using the generator when anchored or docked where plug in is not available, or do you turn off the blower?

Second, I have a battery charger, but was told to turn off both batteries when docked and not using?

Thanks for the input. I've heard conflicting answers for both of whether to keep blower on, and whether or not to turn off batteries when not using the boat and it's sitting at slip.
Click to expand...

Another good reason to leave the chargers running is you have a new boat and a new design smart charger which monitors the batteries and keeps them fully charged without overcharging. You should find in the charger manual that these new chargers cycle thru a mode whichs helps clean the plates extending the life of your batteries.
 
The operation of the three gasoline engines on my boat establishes air circulation within the engine room, purging any potential fumes.

Air is injested into the engine and exits out the exhaust. The air inlets permit replacement air to fill the engine room and prevents the hull from collapsing due to vacuum.

It won't hurt to supplement that air flow, except for the annoying blower noise.
 
The air that flows into the engine compartment at low rpm's is minimal unless the engines are running at high rpms. The engine builders, boat manufacturers, and coast guard require the use of blowers at below cruising speeds for a reason. This is one area where my strong opinion is to follow the rules.
 
keokie said:
The air that flows into the engine compartment at low rpm's is minimal unless the engines are running at high rpms. The engine builders, boat manufacturers, and coast guard require the use of blowers at below cruising speeds for a reason. This is one area where my strong opinion is to follow the rules.
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To what rules do you refer.

My Searay manual and the USCG requires the usage of blowers prior to starting the engine. There isn't any reference to low RPM usage.

Ventilation 33 CFR 183.601-630
 
I use blowers when running the ginny to reduce heat in the ER more than anything else. I fully understand the fume hazard, but the ER pulls in air and evacuates very well. Next time you're running the genset, cut off the blowers for a few minutes, and then cut them back on...then feel the air exhausting thru the vents. Pretty warm...not runng the blowers will ofter cause vapor lock from the extreme heat in the ER, making starting your mains difficult.
 
If you are running a gas engine of any design, at below crusing speeds, please run the blowers. This includes mains and gen sets.

The blowers are there for a reason, the noise of the genny will drown out the blowers at any rate.

Be safe people. Run the blowers.
 
Blowers are required to be run at below cruising speeds for airflow. At cruising speeds air is forced into the ER, and the motors are running at higher rpms which increases airflow as well. When you are running the gen without the blower while slow or stationary, it has every risk of running the mains without the blower (mostly a fuel leak or ignition source leading to fire and/or explosion).

Many people do not pay much attention to the hazards of a gasoline engine in a confined space. I hate being at the fuel dock and launch ramp for that reason. In my boating area boats have exploded at both. Most recently a small trailer boat blew at the ramp when the operator hit the ignition. This sent several people flying into the water with serious burns. These kinds of accidents are almost always easily preventable.

I have posted here for years, and make a great effort to be polite. However, not running your blower when mandated is very risky not only to you and the loved ones on your boat, but anyone else that is close. Run the blowers.
 
I agree with Southpaw the heat in Texas where I boat is incredible and sitting at anchor with my Westerbeke running makes it even hotter. I will as a rule run my blowers fifteen minutes after returning just to remove heat. The other thing is if you look at that ity bitty little air intake on the genset a strong influx of cooler air at anchor can only aid combustion .I do leave my converter on except when running and just check the batteries often. Most chargers a good at maintaining batteries without cooking them . I have to add that I just replaced my blowers after 7 years and it really is incredible that they have lasted so long. In any case replacing them was an inexpensive task .
 
USCG and Marine Fire Safety Equipment Inspectors recommend use of blower when using generator to prevent build up of CO2 and possible flow to lower end cabin or engine compartment areas. Bowers are should be and recommended to be run with RPM of 1000 or lower; above that, there is ususally a good possitive draw of air into the carb or intake manifold. If noise is an issue when using the genset, you can purchase blower motors with higher capacity over 250CFM that will run at lower RPM and be quieter. Never sacrifice safety and chance deadly fumes.
 
chollyjohn said:
USCG and Marine Fire Safety Equipment Inspectors recommend use of blower when using generator to prevent build up of CO2 and possible flow to lower end cabin or engine compartment areas.
Click to expand...
Not according to this USCG link. Is there another USCG link or another government link mandating / recommending exhaust blower usage?

Ventilation 33 CFR 183.601-630


Bridog said:
Maybe it's not mandated but it's recommended by my owners manual. Mines states to operate blower for at least 4 minutes before starting generator AND ANYTIME generator is running. http://www.searay.com/Archives_Manu..._manuals/2006_300_SUNDANCER/300 Sundancer.pdf Page 86.
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Thanks for the link. It sounds like the lawyers have gotten their hands on the document.
 
chollyjohn said:
USCG and Marine Fire Safety Equipment Inspectors recommend use of blower when using generator to prevent build up of CO2 and possible flow to lower end cabin or engine compartment areas. Bowers are should be and recommended to be run with RPM of 1000 or lower; above that, there is ususally a good possitive draw of air into the carb or intake manifold. If noise is an issue when using the genset, you can purchase blower motors with higher capacity over 250CFM that will run at lower RPM and be quieter. Never sacrifice safety and chance deadly fumes.
Click to expand...

Just so everyone is aware CO2 (carbon dioxide) is not the deadly killer we fear, it's CO (carbon monoxide). I agree running the blowers when an engine is running is a good idea and also helps lower the engine bay temperatures which house electronics...and we all know the effect of high tempertaures on electronics!!
 
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